A hands-on, beginner-friendly guide to building and programming robots with LEGO® MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor and LEGO® SPIKE Prime. You’re the new owner of a LEGO® MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor or SPIKE Prime kit. Now what? This full-color, illustrated instructional guide teaches you the basics of robotics engineering, using examples relevant to both LEGO® sets. You’ll be making remote-control vehicles, motorized grabbers, automatic ball launchers, and other exciting robots in no time! Rather than feature step-by-step instructions for building a handful of models, you’ll find essential information and expert tips and tricks for designing, building, and programming your own robotic creations. The book features a comprehensive introduction to coding with Word Blocks, an intuitive visual programming language based on Scratch, and explores topics such as using motors and sensors, building sturdy structures, and troubleshooting problems when things go wrong. As you learn, loads of challenges and open-ended projects will inspire you to try out ideas. Your journey to becoming a confident robot designer begins here.

Makerspaces are community workspaces where people can build projects, and Lego Mindstorms is among the most cutting-edge technologies used. Lego Mindstorms are software-hardware kits that allow virtually anyone to build programmable robots. Best of all, these robots are built out of Legos, feeding into any young person’s childlike sensibilities. Lego Mindstorms also taps into curriculum-based STEM learning by teaching students the science, technology, engineering, and math skills needed for many of tomorrow’s careers. Lego Mindstorms is the perfect bridge between play and education, and can fuel a young person’s knowledge and creativity.

Beginning LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 shows you how to create new fun and fantastic creations with the new EV3 programmable brick along with other new EV3 pieces and features. You'll learn the language of the EV3 brick, and then go on to create a variety of programmable vehicles using MINDSTORMS and Technic parts. You'll then move into creating robot parts, including robotic arms. You'll even learn how to make different types of MINDSTORMS walkers. Finally, you'll learn how to incorporate light and sound into your amazing EV3 creations. Whether you're a MINDSTORMS enthusiast wanting to know more about EV3, a robotics competitor, or just a LEGO fan who wants to learn all about what EV3 can do, Beginning LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 will give you the knowledge you need. Note: the printed book is in black and white. The Kindle and ebook versions are in color (black and white on black and white Kindles).

The essential guide to building and programming LEGO EV3 interactive robots Exploring LEGO Mindstorms: Tools and Techniques for Building and Programming Robots is the complete guide to getting the most out of your LEGO Mindstorms EV3. Written for hobbyists, young builders, and master builders alike, the book walks you through fundamentals of robot design, construction, and programming using the Mindstorms apparatus and LEGO TECHNIC parts. Tap into your creativity with brainstorming techniques, or follow the plans and blueprints provided on the companion website to complete projects ranging from beginner to advanced. The book begins with the basics of the software and EV3 features then lets you get to work quickly by using projects of increasing complexity to illustrate the topics at hand. Plenty of examples are provided throughout every step of the process, and the companion website features a blog where you can gain the insight and advice of other users. Exploring LEGO Mindstorms contains building and programming challenges written by a recognized authority in LEGO robotics curriculum, and is designed to teach you the fundamentals rather than have you follow a "recipe." Get started with robot programming with the starter vehicle, Auto-Driver Explore the features of the EV3 brick, a programmable brick Design robot's actions using Action Blocks Incorporate environmental sensors using Infrared, Touch, and Color sensors Expand the use of data in your program by using data wires with Sensor Blocks Process data from the sensors using Data Operations Blocks Using Bluetooth and WiFi with EV3 Build unique EV3 robots that each presents different functions: the Spy Rabbit, a robot that can react to its surroundings; a Sea Turtle robot, Mr. Turto; the Big Belly Bot, a robot that eats and poops; and a Robotic Puppy Guapo Discover ideas and practices that will help you to develop your own method of designing and programming EV3 robots The book also provides extensive programming guidance, from the very basics of block programming through data wiring. You'll learn robotics skills to help with your own creations, and can likely ignite a lasting passion for innovation. Exploring LEGO Mindstorms is the key to unlocking your EV3 potential.

Introduced in the fall of 1998, LEGO (R) MINDSTORMS (TM) quickly became LEGOs'best-selling kit of all time - with the average age of buyers turning out to be 23! Given the toys capabilities, its not surprising that a whole generation of adults interested in robotics or programming is rediscovering LEGO (R) through MINDSTORMS (TM). Although the Mindstorms (TM) kit includes basic instructions and sample robots, these are not comprehensive and do not adequately teach the principals of robotics. Without direction, inventing a robot from the ground-up can be a challenge. This book includes a wide variety of new robots, in-depth explanations for readers, and important theory behind the practice of building robots. In short, it provides all the information necessary to become a robotics expert using Mindstorms (TM). Dave Baum is considered to be the premiere expert on Lego (R) Mindstorms (TM), since he has even developed NQC ("Not Quite C") that has become the language of choice for performing sophisticated programming with these robots.

Learn effective ways to teach STEAM with this helpful book from educational technology experts Billy Krakower and Meredith Martin. Whether you have a dedicated STEAM class, or plan to integrate it into a regular classroom, you’ll find out how to create a structured learning environment while still leaving room for inquiry and innovation. You’ll also gain a variety of hands-on activities and rubrics you can use immediately. Topics include: the differences among STEM, STEAM, and makerspaces planning your STEAM space stocking your space with the right supplies planning for instruction and managing class time incorporating the core subjects aligning lessons with standards and assessments getting the administration and community involved taking your class to the next level with design thinking. With this practical book, you’ll have all the tools you’ll need to create a STEAM-friendly learning space starting now. Continue the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #GSwSTEAM!

Discover the many features of the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT 2.0 set. The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Discovery Book is the complete, illustrated, beginner's guide to MINDSTORMS that you've been looking for. The crystal clear instructions in the Discovery Book will show you how to harness the capabilities of the NXT 2.0 set to build and program your own robots. Author and robotics instructor Laurens Valk walks you through the set, showing you how to use its various pieces, and how to use the NXT software to program robots. Interactive tutorials make it easy for you to reach an advanced level of programming as you learn to build robots that move, monitor sensors, and use advanced programming techniques like data wires and variables. You'll build eight increasingly sophisticated robots like the Strider (a six-legged walking creature), the CCC (a climbing vehicle), the Hybrid Brick Sorter (a robot that sorts by color and size), and the Snatcher (an autonomous robotic arm). Numerous building and programming challenges throughout encourage you to think creatively and to apply what you've learned as you develop the skills essential to creating your own robots. Requirements: One LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 set (#8547) Features: –A complete introduction to LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 –Building and programming instructions for eight innovative robots –50 sample programs and 72 programming challenges (ranging from easy to hard) encourage you to explore newly learned programming techniques –15 building challenges expand on the robot designs and help you develop ideas for new robots Who is this book for?This is a perfect introduction for those new to building and programming with the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 set. The book also includes intriguing robot designs and useful programming tips for more seasoned MINDSTORMS builders.

Discover how to use the LEGO MINDSTORMS Inventor kit and boost your confidence in robotics Key FeaturesGain confidence in building robots using creative designsLearn advanced robotic features and find out how to integrate them to build a robotWork with the block coding language used in robotics software in a practical wayBook Description LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor is the latest addition to the LEGO MINDSTORMS theme. It features unique designs that you can use to build robots, and also enable you to perform activities using the robot inventor application. You'll begin by exploring the history of LEGO MINDSTORMS, and then delve into various elements of the Inventor kit. Moving on, you'll start working on different projects which will prepare you to build a variety of smart robots. The first robotic project involves designing a claw to grab objects, and helps you to explore how a smart robot is used in everyday life and in industry. The second project revolves around building a working guitar that can be played and modified to meet the needs of the user. As you advance, you'll explore the concept of biomimicry as you discover how to build a scorpion robot. In addition to this, you'll also work on a classic robotic challenge by building a sumobot. Throughout the book, you'll come across a variety of projects that will provide you with hands-on experience in building creative robots, such as building a Dragster, Egg Decorator, and Plankton from Spongebob Squarepants. By the end of this LEGO book, you'll have got to grips with the concepts behind building a robot, and also found creative ways to integrate them using the application based on your creative insights and ideas. What you will learnDiscover how the Robot Inventor kit works, and explore its parts and the elements inside themDelve into the block coding language used to build robotsFind out how to create interactive robots with the help of sensorsUnderstand the importance of real-world robots in today's landscapeRecognize different ways to build new ideas based on existing solutionsDesign basic to advanced level robots using the Robot Inventor kitWho this book is for This book is for robot enthusiasts, LEGO lovers, hobbyists, educators, students, and anyone looking to learn about the new LEGO Robot Inventor kit. This book is designed to go beyond the basic build through to intermediate and advanced builds, and enables you to add your personal flair to the builds and codes.

Build and program smart robots with the EV3. Key Features Efficiently build smart robots with the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Discover building techniques and programming concepts that are used by engineers to prototype robots in the real world This project-based guide will teach you how to build exciting projects such as the objecta-tracking tank, ultimate all-terrain vehicle, remote control race car, or even a GPS-navigating autonomous vehicle Book Description Smart robots are an ever-increasing part of our daily lives. With LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3, you can now prototype your very own small-scale smart robot that uses specialized programming and hardware to complete a mission. EV3 is a robotics platform for enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels that makes prototyping robots accessible to all. This book will walk you through six different projects that range from intermediate to advanced level. The projects will show you building and programming techniques that are used by engineers in the real world, which will help you build your own smart robot. You'll see how to make the most of the EV3 robotics platform and build some awesome smart robots. The book starts by introducing some real-world examples of smart robots. Then, we'll walk you through six different projects and explain the features that allow these robots to make intelligent decisions. The book will guide you as you build your own object-tracking tank, a box-climbing robot, an interactive robotic shark, a quirky bipedal robot, a speedy remote control race car, and a GPS-navigating robot. By the end of this book, you'll have the skills necessary to build and program your own smart robots with EV3. What you will learn Understand the characteristics that make a robot smart Grasp proportional beacon following and use proximity sensors to track an object Discover how mechanisms such as rack-and-pinion and the worm gear work Program a custom GUI to make a robot more user friendly Make a fun and quirky interactive robot that has its own personality Get to know the principles of remote control and programming car-style steering Understand some of the mechanisms that enable a car to drive Navigate to a destination with a GPS receiver Who this book is for This book is for hobbyists, robotic engineers, and programmers who understand the basics of the EV3 programming language and are familiar with building with LEGO Technic and want to try some advanced projects. If you want to learn some new engineering techniques and take your experience with the EV3 to the next level, then this book is for you.